Nabal — A Son of Belial [25:2-39] Evil has so much more power than good to Nabal ruined the happiness of those around produce its effect, and to propagate its nature. One drop of pollution can ruin an entire cup of good water; him. Godly Abigail had suffered with his rude but one drop of good water has no power to and cruel nature so long that all wifely respect appreciably improve a cup of polluted water. Sharp and love had died (25:25). The servants saw pain from one tooth or a toe will make the whole man miserable, though all the rest of his body be easy; Nabal as uncivilized and belonging to God’s but if all the rest of his body be suffering, an easy toe arch-enemy. or tooth will cause no perceptible alleviation. NABAL’S SOWING A small portion of evil can destroy peace, Nabal was self-sufficient (25:11). He thought harmony, and happiness. In 25:2-39, this is illus- he needed no one else. He believed that he needed trated by Nabal. He is forever remembered in the peace with no man, not even Almighty God Scriptures as “a man of Belial.” This title literally (25:6, 10). This attitude caused him to be harsh suggests that he was worthless and was asso- and cruel (25:3). He illustrates so well the sad ciated with Satan. lives of all who live without God in the world. Nabal was a very rich man which was evi- Because of his arrogance Nabal was headstrong dent by the large herds of sheep and goats (25:2). and resentful of those who sought to give him His “greatness,” though, was the kind in which helpful counsel (25:17b). He was unjust and only the world would take pride. He was a stingy (25:21). He was also degrading to others Calebite. This can be translated “one of a dog- (25:10-12). He used coarse and insulting lan- gish character” and is not necessarily a reference guage (25:14). Nabal used evil speech. His words to the godly pioneer of Joshua’s era. were crude, cruel, and insulting. In 25:14 the Sheep shearing time had come. It was a time word “scorned” literally means that Nabal “flew of festivals, joys, and lavish hospitality (cf. over them like a bird of prey.” The uncontrolled 2 Samuel 13:23, 24). The “profits” would be reck- tongue always marks the fool (Proverbs 10:14; oned, and payment of services rendered would 18:6, 7). Nabal, using the fool’s speech, hurled be made. The miserly Nabal did not possess any the greatest possible insult at David and seemed hint of the joy and hospitality that was custom- happy in doing so (25:10, 11). Nabal spoke with- ary. While David had rendered a great service to out thinking of the consequences of his words. Nabal (25:14-16), Nabal sneered at paying David Nabal influenced others to do evil. His pres- for the services rendered. This despicable atti- ence, words, and mannerisms provoked David tude of Nabal led to his early death. to do that which was totally out of character 1 (25:13, 22). David usually consulted God before a stroke and died within ten days. Others say making any move, but this time Nabal irritated that it is in character for Nabal to have become so him so much that David lost all self-control. enraged with David and with what Abigail did Such was not justified, and David admitted his that his anger caused a stroke, and he died within error (25:32, 33). ten days. Nabal was also ungrateful. He did not even A death with no hope always awaits the “son acknowledge what David had done for him of Satan.” Surely this is a motive to follow and (25:16, 21). This lack of gratitude always charac- obey God’s will (Proverbs 5:22; 11:7b; 14:32; Psalm terizes Satan’s offspring! 116:15; Ecclesiastes 7:1). A common phrase used Nabal was a drinker of alcohol. He gave at funerals states, “As he lived, so he died.” How himself wholly to alcohol until he became drunk. true of Nabal! It remains true with men today. If He enjoyed that revelry and allowed self to con- we do not want our lives to end in a bitter way, trol his desires. Such a trait is associated with we must live as God directs. those following Satan throughout the Bible (Prov- erbs 31:4-6; 20:1; etc.). NABAL’S LESSONS FOR TODAY It is possible for one to remain married to a NABAL’S HARVEST “Nabal” and remain faithful to God. The atmos- One who lives by devilish traits can only phere in Nabal’s house could not have been reap sordid results. Nabal’s life saw three fright- happy. The godly traits of Abigail and the devil- ening results as direct consequences of his evil ish traits of Nabal could only have clashed and ways. embittered the marriage. He was low in taste, Nabal was respected by no one! He enjoyed devoted to material gains, scoffing toward God, wealth, and such prestige and power ought to and disgusting in habits. He was a possessor of have given him respect—but it did not! One a vile tongue and had a terrible influence. He young man was ashamed of Nabal’s acts (25:17). was everything Abigail loathed! But she stayed The closing words of this servant pointed out the with him. You have to admire modern “Abigails” lack of respect which Nabal had among his ser- who endure marriages with modern “Nabals.” vants. To them Nabal was known as “a son of Revenge is never right! One has aptly said, Belial” (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:15). Godly Abigail “Revenge is the most luxurious morsel that the held no respect for her husband (25:25). Her devil can put into a sinner’s mouth.” We are never opinion was even lower than that of the servants. in the position to get revenge for personal wrongs Such an influence is contrary to what God com- committed against us (25:38, 39; Romans 12:19). mands His followers to develop (Matthew 5:16; The life each of us lives today etches a perman- 1 Peter 2:11, 12). ent historical record for others to read tomor- Nabal has gone down in history as a “great row. Take heed so your historical narrative does fool.” He lived up to his name (25:25) because not record you as a “Nabal.” folly accompanied all of his acts. He was a stu- Remember the sad conclusion awaiting the pid, wicked, and godless man. He was a fool selfish life! Only disaster will come (Luke 12:20, similar to the Bishop of Verdu, who advised 21; James 4:13-16). King Louis XI of France to have an iron cage made in which prisoners could be confined. It CONCLUSION was to be constructed so that a man could neither What a dark chapter to study! One evil man’s stand upright nor lie down, but must always be influence cast clouds over the entire narrative in a bent position. Sometime afterwards, the and caused the “man after God’s own heart” to bishop displeased the king and was the first seek revenge, an emotion that is the opposite of person to be shut up in the cage which he had God. One small drop of evil can ruin much good! designed! He remained there for fourteen years. May we all walk away from this chapter The life of Nabal ended in a bitter way (25:37- convinced of the tragedy of living our earthly 39). There are two differing opinions as to how lives as a “fool.” Remember Nabal, the son of Nabal died. Some say that he became so fright- Satan. Do not emulate his folly! ened by what almost happened that he suffered —John Kachelman 2 ©Copyright, 1988, 2005 by Truth for Today ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.